Armando E. Lopez

A son, father, Pop Pop, friend, cancer survivor, and a man of God. Armandito was the endearing name his uncles called him.

It was exactly 2 weeks ago when I received the phone call from my mom-in-law, hysterically crying that she had just found my father-in-law lying face down in the pool. In my head I was telling myself, "no, this is NOT happening" over and over again, just trying to will it away. Then it became real when I had to make the call to Andrew's brother's family, to tell them what had happened when my mom-in-law couldn't get a hold of them. Then it became PAINFULLY real when I had to tell Andrew, watching him to break in pieces.

For me, it was like losing my own father all over again. In a way, yes, it indeed was losing another father I have had the privilege to know through Andrew. He was a wonderful father & loved his family, you can tell just by looking at his wife & two sons. He truly did not have a mean bone in his body-I've never heard him raised his voice or said anything negative about anyone or anything. I don't know why it was time for him to go, but I know he is happy in heaven, probably coaching baseball or football, the sports he so loved.

I'm just sad for us here, not being able to spend more time with him. And my children will not get to know him & do things with him as they grow. I'm sad because Devin tells me, "Pop Pop is sleeping, he'll feel better tomorrow" at the viewing. I'm just sad. I know I'll be ok, we'll all be ok knowing one day we'll meet again. At the time being, he'll be dearly missed.

June 2007-At the Kennedy Space Center, playing with Devin.

October 2008-playing with Serena.

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008-showing off his loot.

To A Special Man

You were a man of God
You've always loved the Lord
Always seeking & praising him
And telling about him to all

You were known for your gentleness
Never raised your voice
Never a confrontation
If you ever had a choice

But did everyone know
About your quirky side and the funny things you did
Where your manners sometimes raised eyebrows

And a chuckle from the kids

Remember our trip to Disney
Where we shared a family suite
You woke up in the middle of the night to shave

then went back to sleep

Then the room got too warm
And you said you'll go check & see
What you did was turning down
The temperature to 23 degrees!

And one time when I called
And said "hello dad!"
Not a warm greeting in return-
You hung up on me instead!

Oh-I'll always remember
the wonderful times we had
And I was proud & honor
To have called you dad!